DARNICK residents have failed in a bid to block a housing development on the edge of their hamlet.

An ongoing dispute over the site behind Broomilees Road finally reached a conclusion this week after almost eight years.

But a last-gasp ditch by neighbours to reduce the number of properties from eight to four failed.

Patricia Cowan told Monday’s meeting: “We have no objection to houses being built on the site but four would be much more appropriate.

“Eight is far too many.” Representations from 46 villagers were made against the plans for the former orchard.

Following negotiations with developers, Michael J Crawford Partnership, the height of the planned properties was reduced from two-floors.

But concerns over the density of the development as well as the access, via the bottle-necked Broomlees Road, remained.

Darnick Villlage Committee also continued to oppose the plans due to concerns over the Abbotsford Road/Broomilees Road junction.

Scottish Borders Council’s roads boss, Derek Inglis, explained that changes in guidelines during 2010 allowed his department to now support the eight-property development.

He stated: “When we looked at this a number of years ago it was suggested that the site should accommodate four houses.

“Government guidance since then has changed.” The application was granted outline permission at the start of the year.

But this week the finalised plan and lay-out had to be agreed this week.

Selkirkshire councillor Michelle Ballantyne sympathised with the objectors but admitted her hands were tied.

She said: “I can understand why the objectors feel like they do as this will be a nightmare during construction but we have to go by what our policies dictate.”